Riley is a bright, curious and creative seven-year-old Kamilaroi girl from Western NSW. She loves drawing, maths and gaming, and like any child, deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.
From an early age, however, Riley experienced developmental challenges, including delayed walking and speech, sensory sensitivities, and difficulties with emotional regulation and social interaction.
Her mum, Shellie, knew her daughter needed support, but finding answers wasn’t easy.
Like many families living in rural and remote Australia, Shellie found herself navigating a complex system with limited local services, long wait times and few clear pathways to specialist care. Despite her persistence and advocacy, help often felt out of reach.
“Like many country parents, I knew something wasn’t quite right, but I didn’t know where to turn,” Shellie said.
Everything changed when Riley attended a Royal Far West multidisciplinary clinic in Dubbo.
Rather than seeing one specialist at a time, Riley was supported by a team that included a paediatrician, psychologist, speech pathologist, occupational therapist, social worker and Aboriginal education officer. Together, they worked to understand Riley’s needs in the context of her family, culture, school and community.
During her assessment, the team identified challenges with coordination, balance and sensory processing, while also recognising Riley’s many strengths. Importantly, they listened to Shellie’s experiences and observations, helping build a fuller picture of Riley’s development and support needs.
For Shellie, it was the first time she felt truly heard.
The assessment provided new insights into Riley’s development and helped identify the supports that could make the biggest difference, both at home and at school. Armed with this information, her family and educators are now better equipped to advocate for the services she needs.
Riley’s story reflects a broader challenge facing country families across Australia.
Children living in rural and remote communities are more likely to experience developmental vulnerability, yet often have fewer opportunities to access the specialist care and assessments they need. Long wait times, workforce shortages and distance can make receiving timely support difficult, particularly during the critical early years of a child’s development.
That’s why Royal Far West works alongside children, families, schools and local health professionals, bringing multidisciplinary specialist services closer to home and helping ensure country children don’t miss out because of where they live.
Today, Riley and Shellie are continuing their journey with Royal Far West, including a visit to the Centre for Country Kids in Manly for further assessment and support.
With clearer answers, greater confidence and a team walking alongside them, they are looking to the future with hope.